Isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a soluble IL-TIF receptor or binding protein which binds to IL-TIF/IL-22, and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to soluble proteins which bind to the molecule known as IL-TIF/IL-22. The proteins can antagonize the effect of IL-TIF/IL-22 on target cells. The nucleic acid molecules encoding the proteins, and uses of the protein, are also described.

1 - 30 . (canceled)  
     
     
         31 . An isolated antibody which binds to a soluble binding protein which binds to IL-TIF/IL-22, wherein the soluble binding protein has a molecular weight of from about 23 to about 40 kilodaltons as determined by SDS-PAGE.  
     
     
         32 . The isolated antibody of  claim 31 , wherein the soluble protein comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 11.  
     
     
         33 . The isolated antibody of  claim 31 , wherein the soluble binding protein is an antagonist for IL-TIF/IL-22.  
     
     
         34 . The isolated antibody of  claim 31 , wherein said antibody is monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         35 . A hybridoma cell line which produces the monoclonal antibody of  claim 31.